Getting a taste of place wouldn’t be possible without a few pints of local craft beer. From seasonal brews that include hand-picked berries to ales that embrace the splendours of the sea, Newfoundland & Labrador craft brewers are imaginative and using our plentiful landscape as inspiration.
St. John’s is a hotbed of craft brewing, so if you’re a real aficionado, we recommend taking two days to truly explore the scene. Book a room at any one of the city’s accommodations and be sure to enjoy responsibly!
DAY 1
Where to Stop Yellowbelly Brewery & Public House
What to Do Have brunch and a beer tasting
Start your day off by exploring downtown in one of the area’s oldest buildings, YellowBelly Brewery & Public House. While there, you’ve got to try their Come From Away beer inspired by the amazing story of Gander’s part in 9/11.
Pssst Many of Yellowbelly’s menu items use their own beer as the secret ingredient, we recommend the Fish & Chips.
Where to Stop Posie Row & Co.
What to Do Shop
When you’re twacking around downtown, be sure to pop in to Posie Row & Co. on Duckworth Street. With three floors of amazing and unique art, crafts, clothing, and more, you’ll be spoiled by choice.
Pssst Posie Row has an awesome collection of cast iron bottle openers – the perfect treat for the beer lover!
Where to Stop Terre Restaurant & Café
What to Do Enjoy dinner out
Terre offers great food inspired by the local landscape and nearby sea, using traditional cooking methods. Their menu changes weekly depending on the seasonal assortment available. They are conveniently located in the heart of St. John’s on the corner of Water and Prescott streets in Alt Hotel.
Pssst The restaurant offers a great selection of local craft beers as well as Newfoundland spirits to pair with your meal.
Where to Stop Quidi Vidi Brewery – Order online
What to Do Try their seasonal selection of craft brews.
Before settling in for the night, be sure to place an online order for some Quidi Vidi Beer. The idyllic shop is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and steeped in tradition, it is also the province’s largest craft brewery.
Pssst Parking is limited in Quidi Vidi Village, we would suggest finding a spot in the off-site Sugarloaf Trail parking lot, which is across a short bridge from the Quidi Vidi Village Plantation (large yellow building). Quidi Vidi Brewery also offers delivery within St. John’s. Please note their taproom is currently closed.
Where to Stop Any one of Downtown St. John’s amazing accommodations
What to Do Rest and Relax
Downtown St. John’s has an eclectic array of accommodations, from historic B&Bs to five-star international brands, you’ll be sure to find a perfect night’s sleep. Check out destinationstjohns.com/plan-your-trip/accommodations for the complete list
Pssst Looking to accommodate your family or bubble buddies? Why not choose a B&B and ask about renting out the whole space for your ease.
Distance from St. John’s: Over 30 licensed accommodations are available within the city.
Day 2
Where to Stop A traditional Newfoundland Pub, The Guv’nor
What to Do Brunch
Before heading back on the beer trail you’ll need to fuel up. The Guv’nor makes the perfect pit stop. Upon entering you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported back to an old English pub, but don’t let the decor fool you; their food and craft beer are modern. Try their breakfast skillet for a filling start to your day.
Pssst The Guv’nor is one of St. John’s hidden gems. It’s a local stop where the craft beer list stretches across the island and into the Big Land, Labrador, too. Why not pair a local beer with your breakfast.
Where to Stop Signal Hill National Historic Site
What to Do Hike the North Head Trail
In addition to admiring the tower, why not take some time to hike along the famous coastal North Head Trail that overlooks the Atlantic, the view is breathtaking. Note: the North Head trail is currently one-direction only — please enter the trail from the top of Signal Hill.
Pssst If you are there for noon you will likely hear the Noon Day Gun being fired. Not to worry no projectile is actually launched, but it does make a booming sound.
Where to Stop Vu Resto & Bar
What to Do Eat lunch overlooking St. John’s famous harbour
Vu offers some of the best views of the harbour and you can even see where you just hiked. Why not pair your sea view with a taste of our brackish waters. The Newfoundland mussels will add a bit of heat to your day.
Pssst Private dining is available if you are travelling with your family or bubble.
Where to Stop Newman Wine Vaults
What to Do Tour and taste at this historic site
This provincial historic site tells the incredible story of a 300-year connection between wine produced in Portugal and Newfoundland.
Pssst A Season Pass is only $15, visit all Provincial Historic Sites for one low price
Where to Stop Landwash Brewery
What to Do Hop out of town and try a flight
Mount Pearl’s only craft brewery creates flavour-forward beers inspired by modern American craft beer, all served in their beer-hall style taproom. A must-try is the Brackish sour beer, that features Newfoundland sea salt.
Pssst We recommend making a reservation before your visit. This is a prime spot for locals who enjoy their beers and the on-site food truck.
Where to Stop Chinched Restaurant & Deli
What to Do Dinner and a night on the town
You may have had your fair share of seafood since in town so it’s time to taste a bit of our land. Chinched features incredible charcuteries butchered in house and if you’re feeling adventurous you have to try the fried pig ears, we promise they are delicious!
Pssst After dinner, head down to the outdoor pedestrian mall for a time on a patio and stop into Millstreet Brewery to pick up a growler of seasonal beer before heading back to your accommodation.
